Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in January 2025. Thank you for being a part of the association! Also, let us get to know you better by participating in the I Am Venue Management series. Please visit here to share your story and photo.

Mark Adler, VenuesLive Management Services (NSW) Pty Ltd, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, Australia
Azza Akkad, Riverside Convention Center, Riverside, CA
Nitin Akune, Kingston Arts, Moorabbin, VIC, Australia
Sandy Albrecht, Cvent, Tysons, VA
Trey Altman, Tampa Sports Authority, Tampa, FL
Raechel Andrews, Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
Bria Arrington, Wilmington Convention Center – ASM Global, Wilmington, NC
Jennifer Babin, Columbus Civic Center, Columbus, GA
Alaura Bailey, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol, Bristol, VA
Craig Barkdull, Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, MN
Heather-Jayne Battye, Netball Queensland Limited, Upper Mount Gravat, QLD, Australia
Bobby Beck, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol, Bristol, VA
Matthew Besheer, Sporting Kansas City, Kansas City, KS
Austin Boehm, Overland Park Convention Center – OVG, Overland Park, KS
Stirling Bogie, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON, Canada
Rebecca Boland, RAC Arena, West Perth, WAu, Australia
Jenni Booth, Opal Specialty Packaging, Rocklea, QLD, Australia
Anthony Bordon, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
Gemma Bordonaro, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON, Canada
Emilie Bott, Dixie Convention Center, St George, UT
Lauren Boye, Sottile Theatre – College of Charleston, Charleston, SC
Kayla Brassy, Alerus Center – OVG, Grand Forks, ND
Zac Broad, Ticketek Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Kaylee Buckingham, Alerus Center – OVG, Grand Forks, ND
Sam Buckley, Marvel Stadium – Melbourne Stadiums Limited, Docklands, VIC, Australia
Malcolm Buffington, Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Samantha Bullen, Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Ashley Bumpious, Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston, SC
Marko Butorac, State Sport Centres – Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Emilie Canez, Boch Center for the Performing Arts, Boston, MA
Michele Capps, OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa, CA
Mike Carstensen, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON, Canada
Kate Casey, Australian Grand Prix Corporation, South Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Maxine Casson, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf, VIC, Australia
John Chan, Shenyang New World EXPO, Shenyang, China
Mave Claire, Wilmington Convention Center – ASM Global, Wilmington, NC
Josh Cohen, Convergint, Underwood, QLD, Australia
LaKeysha Coleman, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
Claudine Collins, Australian Grand Prix Corporation, South Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Tony Compton, Texas A&M Athletics, College Station, TX
Haile Cook, Nissan Stadium – Tennessee Titans, Nashville, TN
Shaun Cooney, Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and Lancaster County Convention Center, Lancaster, PA
Hailee Cooper, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Jessica Coursey, Scope Arena, Norfolk, VA
Claudia Cox, Snapdragon Stadium – OVG, San Diego, CA
Danielle Cox, Weber County Culture, Parks and Recreation, Ogden, UT
Michael Cox, Scope Arena, Norfolk, VA
Brad Cragun, Weber County Culture, Parks and Recreation, Ogden, UT
Olivia Crawford, Missouri State University, Columbia, MO
Kirstie Crumly, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Dallas Day, Dixie Convention Center, St George, UT
Paul Delugar, Netball Queensland Limited, Upper Mount Gravat, QLD, Australia
Dan Dobbins, BEST Crowd Management, Coon Rapids, MN
Hattie Douglas, Walton Arts Center | Walmart AMP, Fayetteville, AR
Lewis Downes, HBF Stadium – VenuesWest, Floreat, WAu, Australia
Anna Dragan, Wings Event Center, Kalamazoo, MI
Angus Druce, Marvel Stadium – Melbourne Stadiums Limited, Docklands, VIC, Australia
Lillie Easterly, Missouri State University-Entertainment Management, Springfield, MO
Rhys Ewers, Clean Vibes Pty Ltd, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Kait Farrar, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON, Canada
Scott Fitzgerald, Marvel Stadium – Melbourne Stadiums Limited, Docklands, VIC, Australia
Tiffany Franko, Mesa Arts Center, Mesa, AZ
Scott Frazzetta, Wilmington Convention Center – ASM Global, Wilmington, NC
Zach Gabet, Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, IN
Jessica Garcia, Honda Center/ocV!BE, Anaheim, CA
Damon Gardner, Opal Specialty Packaging, Sydney, NSW, Australia
David Garrity, Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
Paul Godenzi, Opal Specialty Packaging, Burnley, VIC, Australia
Jonathan Godzwa, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Tim Gonzalez-Wiler, Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, WA
Mac Goodrum, Wilmington Convention Center – ASM Global, Wilmington, NC
Tiffany Green, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
Carson Grosskreutz, Alerus Center – OVG, Grand Forks, ND
Baley Halberstadt, Terre Haute Convention Center – OVG, Terre Haute, IN
Adia Halmick, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Kevin Hanley, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol, Bristol, VA
Melissa Hardstaff, Ninja Stadium, Bellerive, TAS, Australia
Steven Hart, Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos, CA
Alyson Harter, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Marcy Hernandez, Riverside Convention Center, Riverside, CA
Ryan Hickson, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON
Kristi Horvath, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Denver, CO
Meghan Houk, Mesa Convention Center, Mesa, AZ
Chelsea Hunt, Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Nicole Hunter, Clean Vibes Pty Ltd, Mascot, NSW, Australia
Courtland James, Events DC, Washington, DC
Kathia Johnson, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
Spencer Johnson, Missouri State University-Entertainment Management, Springfield, MO
Tammy Johnson, Alliant Energy Center of Dane County, Madison, WI
Toriana Johnson, Snapdragon Stadium – OVG, San Diego, CA
Emily Jones, VenuesWest, Floreat, WAu, Australia
Amanda Jones-Howard, Staff-1, Durham, NC
Belinda Judd, Cedar Mill Group, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Kelly Junker, Music City Center, Nashville, TN
Omar Kaddoura, City Nights LP/715 Harrison Event Space, San Francisco, CA
Anthony Karpanos, VenuesWest, Floreat, WAu, Australia
Jonathan Kemble, HBF Stadium – VenuesWest, Floreat, WAu, Australia
Ash King, Ninja Stadium, Bellerive, TAS, Australia
Abbey Kortz, Tampa Sports Authority, Tampa, FL
Kim Korycki, The City of NLR Future Conference/Event Center, North Little Rock, AR
Casey Krempec, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Georgia Krupa, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Makenzie Kurre, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Andrew Lane, HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast Mail Centre, QLD, Australia
Lauren Layman, Central Bank Center/Rupp Arena – OVG, Lexington, KY
Aly Leavitt, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Marvin Lee, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
Anita Lenicek, Opal Specialty Packaging, Burnley, VIC, Australia
Allison Lewis, Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston, SC
Gina Locatto, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
Valentina Lopez, Palm Beach County Convention Center – OVG, West Palm Beach, FL
Chelle Lopker, Mesa Convention Center, Mesa, AZ
Charlotte Mackenzie, , Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Aaron Magnuson, Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis, IN
Terry Mahoney, Overland Park Convention Center – OVG, Overland Park, KS
Ivan Marchenko, FIFA 2026, Miami, FL
Brent Markwick, Northland Events Centre 2021 Trust (NECT 2021), Whangarei, New Zealand
Hana Matthys, Sporting Kansas City, Kansas City, KS
Bryan McCarthy, PBM Safety, Warwick, QLD, Australia
Michael McLeod, VenuesLive Management Services (NSW) Pty Ltd, Gosford, NSW, Australia
Grace McNamer, Missouri State University, Marshfield, MO
Jay Mejica, Darwin Convention Centre, Darwin, NT, Australia
Katina Messinis, Momentus Technologies, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Ryan Mills, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Tyler Milne, Missouri State University-Entertainment Management, Springfield, MO
Jesse Minoughan, HBF Stadium – VenuesWest, Floreat, WAu, Australia
Allan Mitchell, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Dezha Moore, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Terry Moore, OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa, CA
Jason Noyes, Waukesha County Exposition Center, Waukesha, WI
Cameron O’Briant, San Angelo Performing Arts Center, San Angelo, TX
Natalie O’Brien, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf, VIC, Australia
Kelly Odom, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol, Bristol, VA
Samantha Olsen, Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Daniel Palermo, Tampa Sports Authority, Tampa, FL
Henil Patel, Missouri State University-Entertainment Management, Springfield, MO
Ian Penwell, Terre Haute Convention Center – OVG, Terre Haute, IN
Jean Perkins, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Natalie Perry, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Ruth Perry, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Lisa Petersen, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
Brandon Pickard, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON, Canada
Allie Pietryga, Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, MN
Ben Pope, Texas A&M Athletics, College Station, TX
Brodie Popple, Oztix, Annerley, QLD, Australia
Susan Quick, Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, AZ
Lexi Ramjass-Spicer, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON, Canada
Natasha Ramos, Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, WA
James Reed, Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, TX
Khallan Ridge, HBF Stadium – VenuesWest, Floreat, WAu, Australia
Nick Rodriguez, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Daryl Royse, Appalachian Wireless Arena, Pikeville, KY
Zack Ruiz, Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Ashleigh Rust, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Regine Rutherfurd, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
Aubrey Ryman, Music City Center, Nashville, TN
Joshua Salvador, California State University, Fresno, Fresno, CA
Michael Scalora, Marvel Stadium – Melbourne Stadiums Limited, Docklands, VIC, Australia
Ashleigh Schell, National Museum of Australia, Canberra, ACT, Australia
Jake Schellenberg, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, Denver, CO
Alli Shackelford, Cadence Bank Arena, Tupelo, MS
Adam Sinclair, National Basketball Association, New York, NY
Christen Smith, Wilmington Convention Center – ASM Global, Wilmington, NC
Eric Smith, OVG Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
Casey St Aubin, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Grace Steinmeier, Missouri State University-Entertainment Management, Springfield, MO
Niambie Stewart, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC
Brooke Stith, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Blake Stromme, Sightline Commercial Solutions, Minneapolis, MN
Pamela Sturrock, Riverside Convention Center, Riverside, CA
Mari Swinney, Moody Center – OVG, Austin, TX
Elena Takounakis, Honda Center/ocV!BE, Anaheim, CA
Bryanna Taylor, Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale, AZ
Andy Timm, Spalding, Jefferson, IA
Victoria Trujillo, Ski Hi Complex, Monte Vista, CO
Nick Turner, Clean Vibes Pty Ltd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Jeff Utter, Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, Madison, WI
Raquel Vales, Clean Vibes Pty Ltd, Strawberry Hills, NSW, Australia
Devin Vanaman, Riverside Convention Center, Riverside, CA
Zara Venturato, Brisbane Racing Club Limited, Hamilton Central, QLD, Australia
Bradley Vogel, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Matty Voytilla, Alerus Center – OVG, Grand Forks, ND
Leonie Wallace, Civic Theatre Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Geoff Walters, Safety Cues, Milan, OH
John Watkin, State Sport Centres – MSAC, Albert Park, VIC, Australia
Emma Webb, Opal Specialty Packaging, Burnley, VIC, Australia
Lee Webster, Convergint, Underwood, QLD, Australia
Jamie Wheeler, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta, GA
Heather Whipple, Cain Center for the Arts, Cornelius, NC
Ruben White, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Lauren Williams, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Madison Williams, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Travis Williams, Nissan Stadium – Tennessee Titans, Nashville, TN
Robert Willoughby, Monterey Conference Center, Monterey, CA
Justin Winters, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Ben Witham, Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct & Logan Entertainment Centre, Kingston, QLD
Shamel Wooling, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY, Australia
Jason Worthen, Weber County Culture, Parks and Recreation, Ogden, UT

Exterior substantially complete on new $34.5M arena, which is on track for August opening

Energetic red and black hues accent the new Rosemont ice rink’s metal panel exterior.

Nicholas & Associates, a full-service contractor providing comprehensive construction management, design/build and general contracting services with offices in Illinois, Wisconsin and Tampa, today announced exterior construction is substantially complete on its new $34.5 million indoor ice arena in Rosemont, Ill., near Chicago. With precast concrete up and joists and roof decking installed, the building’s shell is 95% finished and construction is on track for an August 2025 opening.

Located on three acres north of Allstate Arena, the new 103,000-square-foot twin-sheet arena will offer a “hat trick” of benefits for local ice enthusiasts: prime ice time for youth hockey groups and figure skating; evening ice time for adult hockey leagues; and exclusive daytime use by the Chicago Wolves professional hockey team, which currently practices in Hoffman Estates, Ill., and plays games at Allstate Arena. Because the new facility is only 3 miles from O’Hare International Airport, it also will draw regional and national hockey tournaments, the firm said.

“As a hockey family, we’ve seen firsthand how the sport has become more popular over the years, yet there is just not enough quality ice to meet the demand for the different teams and clubs, forcing kids to not only practice late at night, but also in aged facilities,” said Nick Papanicholas Jr., CEO and managing director of the Nicholas Family of Companies, of which Nicholas & Associates is an entity. “With this new highly amenitized arena, we are expanding opportunities for youth hockey programs in the area and providing a premier training center for the Chicago Wolves – it’s a win-win for everyone.

Nearly a half dozen hockey clubs will be signing on to use the new ice rink in Rosemont by Nicholas & Associates.

“And we couldn’t ask for a better partner on this project than the Village of Rosemont,” Papanicholas continued. “Their commitment to having a world-class ice arena has been evident each step of the way because they know what a positive impact this arena will have on families, players and surrounding businesses. This arena truly embodies what the Rosemont experience is all about.”

Designed by architectural firm ARCON Associates, Inc., the new arena will provide a family-friendly mezzanine-level restaurant, a bar with a viewing area featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking both rinks, an elevated grab-and-go concept, and a physical therapy clinic and gym. The arena also will have staff and team amenities for the Wolves and the Chicago Mission girls hockey club.

The new arena will be operated by the Nicholas Family of Companies’ Spectate Group, which also manages the Nicholas Sportsplex, the firm’s 17-acre indoor-outdoor sports complex with three ice sheets, synthetic turf fields, dedicated team spaces, a restaurant and bar and a hockey pro shop in Mount Prospect, Ill.

Spectate Group will pay the village an annual licensing fee to operate and manage the year-round facility. Under the agreement, both parties will be able to sell naming rights and sponsorships inside and outside the building.

Fueled in part by a new wave of female fans, the National Hockey League is consistently reporting higher revenue YOY, increased ratings and record-setting attendance, with arenas filled to more than 96% capacity. There were 389,820 registered youth hockey players in the 2023-24, up from 340,000 in 2009-10, and over 90,000 girls under age 18 are registered to play, almost surpassing Canada, according to USA Hockey. Several girls hockey teams and organizations look forward to calling Rosemont’s new ice arena home.

Founded in 1978, the Nicholas Family of Companies’ construction arm has become synonymous with big suburban building projects,

The rink’s mezzanine-level includes a restaurant and a viewing area overlooking the two ice rinks.

including public schools and park districts, private residential and retail mixed-use projects, and dozens of recreational facilities, including fitness centers, athletic fields, gymnasiums and, increasingly, ice arenas. The family’s interest in building ice arenas started under patriarch Nick Sr., who transformed a vacant commercial property in Mount Prospect’s Kensington Business Center into the premier ice arena in the Chicagoland area – the Nicholas Sportsplex – in less than six months. Nick Sr. passed away just months after the ice rink opened in 2016. Today, the family’s Nicholas Sportsplex has roughly 40 hockey teams that call the Sportsplex home and attracts approximately 750,000 hockey and sports enthusiasts from around the world each year.

“Rosemont is the epicenter of where families want to be for hockey,” said Papanicholas Jr. “Adding a desperately needed premier ice arena with modern conveniences for our kids to play is incredibly rewarding, especially for a hockey family like ours.”

Co-Hosted by Olympic Champion Brian Boitano, the event will feature skating superstars Ilia Malinin, Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, Madison Chock and Evan Bates and more

Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Entertainment Gang, and U.S. Figure Skating today announced they will host a live figure skating tribute to be held at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington D.C. on Sunday, March 2, 2025, to support the families and loved ones affected by the tragic aviation incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025. The event will be co-hosted by 1988 Olympic champion Brian Boitano and will include: 

• Ilia Malinin – Three-time U.S. champion, two-time ISU Grand Prix Final champion and 2024 world champion 
• Amber Glenn –Two-time U.S. champion and 2025 ISU Grand Prix Final champion 
• Madison Chock & Evan Bates – Six-time U.S. ice dance champions, three-time World ice dance champions and 2022 Olympic figure skating team champions  
• Alysa Liu – Two-time U.S. champion, 2025 U.S silver medalist and 2022 World bronze medalist   
• Tara Lipinski – U.S. champion, World champion and 1998 Olympic champion 
• Kristi Yamaguchi – U.S champion, World champion and 1992 Olympic champion 
• Scott Hamilton – Four-time U.S. champion, four-time World champion and 1984 Olympic champion 
• Johnny Weir – Three-time U.S. champion and two-time Olympian 
• … And many more to be announced. 

More than a star-studded performance, Legacy on Ice is a powerful tribute to those lost, including members of the U.S. figure skating community. This extraordinary evening will unite the sport’s greatest legends and rising stars in a breathtaking showcase of artistry, athleticism, and remembrance. 

From heartfelt solos by today’s champions to once-in-a-lifetime performances featuring multiple generations of skating greats, Legacy on Ice will blend history, emotion, and excellence—ensuring that the legacies of those lost continue to inspire generations to come. 

Legacy on Ice will honor the 67 lives lost and raise funds to support victims’ families and the first responders and aviation professionals who worked tirelessly in the aftermath of the tragedy. All proceeds will be collected by the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation and equally distributed to the U.S. Figure Skating Family Support Fund, Greater Washington Community Foundation’s “DCA Together Relief Fund,” and DC Fire & EMS Foundation.  

This event is made possible through in-kind contributions. Monumental Sports & Entertainment is donating all services and event costs. For those interested in contributing directly, please visit: www.MonumentalSports.com/LegacyOnIce. 

“We are fortunate to have a platform to honor the 67 people we lost and remember the extraordinary impact they made during their lives,” said Ted Leonsis, chairman and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “By raising funds to support their families, we hope to provide a small amount of comfort during this terrible time.” 

“As we begin to heal from this devastating loss, we look forward to honoring the enduring memories of these athletes, coaches and family members who represented the best of the figure skating community,” said U.S. Figure Skating interim-CEO, Samuel Auxier. “We can think of no better way of celebrating their legacies than through the sport they loved.”   

“The victims’ families and our first responders are forever connected by this tragedy,” said Amy C. Mauro, Esq., Executive Director, DC Fire & EMS Foundation. “We are grateful that this tribute honors them together. The DC Fire & EMS Foundation will always be there for our first responders because they are always there for us.” 

“Our Greater Washington community is at its strongest when we come together as neighbors helping neighbors,” said Tonia Wellons, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Community Foundation, representing the DCA Together Relief Fund established with the Capital Region Community Foundations. “Our hope is that the DCA Together Relief Fund can in some small way help bring comfort and healing to the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy. Through the generosity of our community and partners, we will stand united in remembrance and resilience.” 

Event Details 

• Date: Sunday, March 2, 2025 
• Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm ET 
• Location: Capital One Arena, 601 F Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 

Participating groups to honor the families of the fallen and the first responders:                     

• Members of the Men’s, Women’s, Ice Dance and Pairs US National Figure Skating Teams 
• Figure Skating Legends and Icons 
• Members of DMV Skating Clubs 
• Members of the Skating Club of Boston 
• NHL’s Washington Capitals 
• NBA’s Washington Wizards 
• WNBA’s Washington Mystics 
• NBA G League’s Capital City Go-Go  
• MLB’s Washington Nationals 
• MLS’ D.C. United 
• NFL’s Washington Commanders  
• NWSL’s Washington Spirit 

Additional event dynamics will be announced once confirmed.  

Tickets 

Tickets will go on sale starting Monday, February 10^th at 10:00am ET on the Ticketmaster website for Capital One Arena. Ticketmaster, official partner of Capital One Arena, has agreed to waive all ticketing fees for this event. Guests are reminded that purchases made through Ticketmaster or at the venue box office are guaranteed to be authentic. Third-party ticketing agent purchases cannot be verified. 

Supporters will also have the ability to make tax deductible donations directly to a joint fund supporting the participating causes through the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation. To contribute, please visit: www.MonumentalSports.com/LegacyOnIce. 

“Legacy on Ice” Benefit Sponsorships 

Monumental Sports & Entertainment, in partnership with the presenting organizers, will assist in securing sponsorships and media partnerships for this historic event benefiting the community.   

For more information on sponsorship packages and event programs regarding “Legacy on Ice,” please e-mail globalpartnerships@monumentalsports.com.  

Proceeds Beneficiaries 

All proceeds will be collected by the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation and equally distributed to the U.S. Figure Skating Family Support Fund, Greater Washington Community Foundation’s “DCA Together Relief Fund,” and DC Fire & EMS Foundation. To contribute, please visit: www.MonumentalSports.com/LegacyOnIce.  

U.S. Figure Skating Family Support Fund 

U.S. Figure Skating, the national governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States, established the U.S. Figure Skating Family Support Fund to provide support the families in the skating community directly impacted by the tragic plane crash that occurred on January 29, 2025. The organization suffered an unimaginable loss when 28 athletes, coaches, and family members perished aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which tragically collided with a helicopter in Washington, D.C. These individuals were returning home from the National Development Camp in Wichita, Kansas, a place where young skaters take their next steps toward their dreams. 

U.S. Figure Skating comprises more than 875 member clubs, collegiate clubs and high school teams, and more than 1,000 registered Learn to Skate USA programs representing over 246,000 members. U.S. Figure Skating is charged with the development of the sport on all levels within the United States, including athletes, officials, sanctioning of events and exhibitions, and establishing the rules and guidelines by which the sport is governed. 

Greater Washington Community Foundation’s “DCA Together Relief Fund” 

For over 50 years, the Greater Washington Community Foundation has ignited the power of philanthropy to respond to critical community needs and build a thriving region where every person prospers. As a trusted philanthropic advisor, The Community Foundation connects caring donors with committed nonprofits and communities where potential often exceeds resources. During times of crisis, The Community Foundation acts as community quarterback and convener, coordinating resources to help navigate challenges from the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon to the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The DCA Together Relief Fund is a crisis response fund that will provide aid to impacted families, first responders, and nonprofit organizations supporting recovery and healing. Working in close coordination with federal and local authorities and the Wichita Foundation, the goal is to provide immediate and long-term assistance, ensuring that those affected receive the care, resources, and support they need during this difficult time. 

The fund was established in partnership with ACT for Alexandria, Arlington Community Foundation, Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, and Greater Washington Community Foundation.  

DC Fire & EMS Foundation 

The mission of the DC Fire & EMS Foundation is to support the DC Fire & Emergency Medical Services Department and its heroic members by supporting their training, wellness and recognition, equipment and facilities, and by educating the community about the Department’s life-saving mission. For more information: https://www.dcfireemsfoundation.org/ 

The New York Convention Center Operating Cooperation (NYCCOC) announced today that Joyce Leveston (CMM, CVP) will be appointed as the new chief executive officer of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The announcement follows a vote in support by the NYCCOC Board of Directors of the executive search committee’s unanimous recommendation.

Leveston will join the Javits team on Monday, February 10, 2025. After a short transition period, she will officially assume the role of CEO on Monday, March 10, 2025.

“We conducted a national search and are thrilled to select Joyce Leveston, who embodies the vision and passion that will propel the Jacob Javits Center into a new era of innovation and excellence,” said Hugh Carey, Vice Chair of the NYCCOC Board of Directors and Chair of the search committee. “Her leadership will not only inspire our team but will also enhance the experience for all who walk through our doors. We are excited to welcome her as our new Chief Executive Officer, we are confident that her enthusiasm and strategic insight will transform the Javits Center into a global beacon of creativity, class and collaboration.”

Leveston brings over 30 years of high-caliber industry experience to the chief executive officer role. Most recently, she was the Senior Vice President of Convention Centers at Oak View Group, where she oversaw strategy and operations for more than 60 convention and conference centers in the OVG360 portfolio. She has worked in convention centers across the country, including holding senior positions at Boston’s Hynes Convention Center, Boston Convention & Exhibitions Center, Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C., Miami Beach Convention Center, George R Brown Convention Center in Houston and the San Diego Convention Center Corporation. Additionally, Leveston has worked on high-profile special events such as fan fests for the Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Weekend and MLB All-Star Weekend; presidential inaugural balls; the Nuclear Security Summit for President Obama; the International AIDS Convention; the White House State of Women Summit; and Art Basel Miami.

“As soon as we spoke to Joyce during the interview process, we knew she was the person to lead Javits Center into the future,” said Lee Perlman, Chair of the NYCCOC Board of Directors. “Her dynamism and hands-on experience will serve Javits well as she guides our team through the ever-changing events industry landscape. I am excited to work with her for the years to come to grow Javits Center’s reputation as one of the premier convention centers in the country.”

In addition to her extensive experience, Leveston is well-known for providing exceptional customer experience and leading with authenticity. Her passion for the hospitality industry has led to strong relationships across the convention center sector and beyond. She holds memberships with IAEE, ASAE, PCMA, IAVM, SISO, MPI and AIPC.

Leveston’s appointment marks the first time a woman has held the chief executive officer position at Javits Center.

“Leading the convention center division at Oak View Group has been an amazing part of my journey and I am so appreciative of the people who have supported and encouraged me to be my authentic self,” said Leveston. “My mission throughout my career has been to inspire, empower and shine a light on the incredible talent that is rebuilding the industry with resilience and positive spirit. I’m eager to bring my passion for the industry to New York and to lead the talented team at Javits Center with conviction as we position Javits as a premier convention and meetings destination on an international scale. It is with deep compassion and sincere gratitude that I take up the torch to continue elevating the work that Alan Steel and the NYCCOC have started at Javits, from creating sustainable options, driving innovative solutions, and pursuing a brand that welcomes a diverse array of events.”

As chief executive officer, Leveston will be responsible for championing Javits Center’s mission to serve as a catalyst for the economic development of New York. She will be tasked with attracting world-class events while maintaining Javits Center’s position as a leader in sustainability, security and technology.

Leveston will succeed Alan Steel who has served as chief executive officer for the last 12 years. During his tenure, he successfully led the center through significant challenges, including navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and the COVID pandemic, while also overseeing the completion of the building’s $375 million renovation and $1.35 billion expansion. He also spearheaded advancements in technology infrastructure, championed sustainability initiatives, and played a pivotal role in establishing the event industry’s Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge.

“I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have led this institution through such a transformative era and proud of all the work we were able to accomplish,” said Steel. “I feel very confident that Javits Center will continue to thrive in Joyce Leveston’s capable hands.”

Performing Arts Centers were the venue of choice for Stephen Ray (Steve) Martin, and he delighted in bringing that community together through IAVM. He served as chair of the Performing Arts Sector Committee from 1999 to 2004, leaving his mark on that group’s close camaraderie and educational focus.

Born July 3, 1955, Martin died Jan. 20, 2025, at the age of 69, in Salem, Ore., where he started his career of “enjoying retirement” in 2017. He is one who considered IAVM “family,” and benefited from mentors and mentoring his entire professional career.

Steve Martin, left, at the opening of Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Colo., in 1982, with Kirk Metzger, CVE, and Richard Cotton.

He managed the Historic Elsinore Theatre in Salem from 2005-2016. He started his PAC career at Pikes Peak Centre in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he worked from 1982-2005.

He joined IAVM in 1989 and attended just about every conference from 1997 through 2014. Martin was among the founders and organizers of IAVM’s Performing Arts Facility Administrators Seminar (PAFAS), which morphed into the annual Performing Arts Managers Conference (PAMC).

“During Steve’s long career in the performing arts, he was both a technical director and venue manager,” noted longtime friend Larry Henley, CVE, UNLV, highlighting Martin’s diverse skills.

Kirk Metzger, CVE, first met Martin in the fall of 1974 when he enrolled in the new theatre graduate program at UNLV. Martin was an undergraduate, a theatre major.

“We worked numerous plays together, for probably three years, until Steve graduated and went off to teach theatre at Centre College in Danville, Ky.,” Metzger shared in an email. “Prior to his graduation, I had been appointed to open and manage the university’s new 2,000-seat concert hall. All my stagehands were theatre undergrads including Steve and Larry Henley. Somewhere during that period Steve met (his wife-to-be) Tina. We knew that Tina was the one for Steve, because she endured the five-hour drive through the desert to Southern California without air conditioning. Steve thought using AC would adversely affect his gas mileage, so he drove with the windows open.” 

In 1982, when Metzger moved to Colorado Springs to be the executive of the new Pikes Peak Center, a 2,000-seat opera house, he needed an operations director. “I hired Steve as a known, trustworthy, knowledgeable, and dedicated theatre person. Steve brought Larry Henley to our operation as a lighting designer and stagehand.” Henley later returned to UNLV to run the concert hall.

When Metzger left Colorado Springs to open the Woodlands Pavilion (AKA Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion) in suburban Houston, Martin was appointed director at Pikes Peak Center

When Martin retired, “he concentrated on his golf game eventually achieving a handicap of, I think, seven,” Metzger related grudgingly, having played longer but apparently not as well.

Their daughters were the same age, and many an IAVM conference found them together. “I recall an IAVM conference where Steve’s daughter Allison and my Kelsey were seven-year-old trade show rats scarfing up all the food being offered.” (Metzger’s now-grown daughter, Kelsey Covart, is the COO of a VenuWorks-managed facility in suburban Minneapolis and was in the first class of IAVM’s 30-under-30. “When Kelsey joined the business, I told her that venue management was much different than free Dipp’n’ Dots on the trade show floor—she didn’t listen,” Metzger added.)

Martin gave back to IAVM in numerous ways, serving on the board of directors from 2004-2006, and joining the Professional Development Committee, the Technologies Task Force, the VenueConnect Planning Committee, and the Business Development Task Force, besides his ongoing role with Performing Arts.

He is survived by wife Tina and daughter Allison.